In June, sexual abuse allegations surfaced against Rev. Gary Miller, a priest from St. Bernadette’s Parish in the southern Chicago suburb of Evergreen Park. The allegations relate back to when Miller served at St. Leonard Parish in Berwyn. Following the allegations, Miller was removed from ministry and left his position at St. Bernatette’s. Currently, no further allegations against Miller have been reported.

In Illinois, the statute of limitations, or period of time in which a legal action may be brought, for sexual abuse, the “Childhood Sexual Abuse Act”, 735 ILCS 5/13-202.2, was initially enacted in 1991and it was amended in 1993, 2003, 2010, and 2011. Under the Act, victims may be able to seek recovery for the injuries they suffered as a result of being abused, sometimes years after the abuse actually took place.

Sexual abuse victims are often reluctant to come forward. And, in some cases, the psychological damage caused by their attackers leave some victims unable to recall the abuse until later in life. In an effort to confront these difficulties, attorney Joseph Klest helped draft an amendment toe Childhood Sexual Abuse Act in Illinois to extend that period of time in which victims can potentially bring a claim. The Klest Injury law firm provides free consultation to victims of childhood sexual abuse. To speak with an experienced victim’s rights attorney from the Klest Injury Law Firm, click here, or dial 866-264-7639.